CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard men's volleyball (4-5, 2-1 EIVA) closed the weekend by recording its second straight sweep (26-24, 25-15, 25-20) over Sacred Heart (3-6, 0-5 EIVA) this afternoon in the Malkin Athletic Center.
The Crimson were led by a strong offensive presence headlined by an 11 kill on .588 hitting from
Zach Berty.
How it Happened
The Pioneers looked to gain some momentum early after its 3-0 loss to the Crimson last night, pulling ahead 3-1 and regularly maintaining the lead throughout the opening set. Sacred Heart was able to hold off any Harvard runs until late in the set as it went on a 4-1 scoring streak to take the lead at 24-23. The Pioneers fended off a set point, but the Crimson ultimately completed the comeback with a 26-24 final result while hitting .409.
Fueled by its late set energy, the Crimson quickly went in front, 5-1, to begin the second stanza. The Pioneers continued to battle, pulling within one at 9-8. Later in the set with the Crimson ahead 13-11 it allowed just four more Sacred Heart points to finish with a 25-15 second set victory.
A 4-1 start for Harvard didn't deter the Pioneers fight to keep the match alive as it forced several ties in the middle of the third. A 6-0 run, however, gave the Crimson a comfortable advantage at 14-8. Outside of a late set push, Harvard controlled the entirety of the set, ultimately closing it out at 25-20.
Harvard Highlights
- With the win, Harvard begins EIVA action 3-1 for the second straight season.
- Zach Berty led the way offensively with a season-high 11 kills with a strong .588 hitting percentage. Logan Shepherd and Sawyer Nichols each flirted with double digit kills as well, totaling nine and eight, respectively.
- As a team, the Crimson recorded 35 kills while hitting .317 through the three-set match.
- James Bardin led the team in both assists and digs, recording 26 and four in either statistical category.
- Harvard totaled five aces on the night, led by a pair of Bardin.
- With its two sweeps this weekend, the Crimson is now 39-9 all-time against the Pioneers.
Next Up
The Crimson will return to action in just three days as it travels to Merrimack College for a midweek match up on Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. ET.
